Residents urge scrutiny of Metro $24M vote, Pulte Street abandonment and East Houston truck‑route pilot

Residents and neighborhood leaders used the Super Neighborhood Alliance meeting to press for transparency from the Metropolitan Transit Authority and to raise safety and equity concerns about local transportation decisions.

Stacy Fairchild, speaking for Super Neighborhood 22, said Metro’s infrastructure committee and a special board meeting approved $24,000,000 for projects but “there were no details provided” about how the funds would be spent. Fairchild urged neighborhood leaders to monitor future Metro board and special meetings and to request a detailed project list. Margaret Dunlap of Metro provided a link to the special infrastructure meeting video in the meeting chat and directed members to Metro’s public website for information on the agency’s “Metro Now” initiatives.

Ricky Cardenas, president of Second Ward Super Neighborhood 63, said neighborhood leaders plan a joint meeting in May to discuss a proposed abandonment of Pulte Street. He told the alliance the abandonment is being “rushed” by other parties and warned it would affect a key connection between the East End and downtown. Cardenas said the stretch serves bus routes 40 and 41 and “over 5,000 bus riders,” and includes a protected bikeway he said is important for bicyclist safety.

A representative from East Houston (name not specified in the meeting transcript) reported that the community has been selected for a city‑wide truck‑route pilot and that construction crews have begun making changes such as raising traffic signals and widening some intersections. The representative said the pilot repeatedly appeared on and then was removed from the quality‑of‑life agenda; the community remains concerned that construction activity continues while the pilot has not been formally advanced on the agenda.

Other public‑comment items and announcements included plans for a community cleanup on March 22 organized with District B, Zoom training for seniors hosted by the Houston Public Library, a presentation on wills and probate law from Harris County Probate Administration, and alerts about internship and naturalization clinics being offered by elected‑official offices.

Metro representatives were present in the meeting and posted a link to the special meeting video; neighborhood leaders said they will follow up to obtain project lists and scheduling information prior to Metro’s next special or board meetings.